London·Photos

Hometown Stars for hometown favourites Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue

Canada's favourite ice dancing pair Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir received Hometown Stars to mark their induction to Canada's Walk of Fame

The pair received plaques and a surprise performance from the Arkells

London's Tessa Virtue and Ilderton's Scott Moir received their Hometown Star as part of their induction to Canada's Walk of Fame. (Sofia Rodriguez/CBC )

It was a celebration for London and Ilderton as Canada's favourite ice dancing pair thanked the towns that saw them rise to stardom. 

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir received their Hometown Stars on Wednesday, marking their induction to Canada's Walk of Fame.

"It's so special to be able to celebrate with our hometowns. We've been so fortunate to have been on the receiving end of so much support for over two decades," Virtue said. 

The pair's first stop of the day was at the Ilderton Arena. It's the place where they became ice dancing partners over two decades ago. 

Moir and Virture embrace their coaches Patrice Lauzon and Marie-France Dubreuil at Ilderton Arena. (Sofia Rodriguez/CBC)

"Never in our wildest dreams did we think all of this would happen," Scott told CBC News. "There's no way you'd be watching us at seven and nine thinking we'd win the Olympics and be on the Walk of Fame," he added. 

Virtue and Moir pose at the Ilderton Arena with their Hometown Star. (Sofia Rodriguez/CBC )

"It feels amazing to be back here ... The support we've received from [our hometowns] has had a huge impact on our career." Moir said. "I don't know how to put into words how much it means to have that support and how necessary it's been. You lean on it."

Virtue and Moir await to be called on stage at Museum London. (Sofia Rodriguez/CBC)

Virtue echoed the same sentiment when the duo arrived to London, where the second Hometown Star was unveiled. 

"This is where my dreams began," Virtue said as she addressed the crowd. "Every part of my aspirations and my career is embedded in the fabric that is London and it's everything London stands for: inclusivity, acceptance and unconditional love."

CEO of Canada's Walk of Fame Jeffrey Latimer and Mayor Ed Holder pose with Virtue and Moir. (Sofia Rodriguez/CBC)

Along with their plaques, perhaps one of the biggest surprises for the pair came from Canadian rock band Arkells. They appeared at the end of Virtue's speech at Museum London. 

"That was such a surprise," Virtue said. "I mean the fact that they took time from their busy schedules to be here with us today is just so fun. They never cease to amaze me the way they perform and the energy they give and we've found great inspiration from them," she added. 

"We're just the ultimate fans ... It's so emotional to know all these people care so much," Moir added. 

Virtue and Moir pose with Canadian rock band Arkells after their surprise performance at Museum London. (Sofia Rodriguez/CBC)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sofia Rodriguez

Reporter/Editor

Sofia Rodriguez is a multimedia journalist with CBC News in London. You can email her at sofia.rodriguez@cbc.ca